“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power” (Ephesians 6:10). Spiritual warfare. William Gurnall says that all Christians are in the battle whether they realize it or not, and that the war is so serious that it makes the cruelest battle between human armies seem like child’s play.* But what is spiritual … Continue reading The battle you’re in whether you know it or not
Podcast
People-pleasers or God-pleasers?
I live beside a cemetery. Some people might think that’s creepy, but not me. Maybe it’s because I’m not afraid of death. A few months ago I wandered through it, looking at the names on the headstones. Some had lived a hundred years, others a hundred days. It was a reminder about the shortness of … Continue reading People-pleasers or God-pleasers?
More him, less me
Speaking about Jesus, John the Baptist said: “He must become greater; I must become less” (John 3:30). This is a succinct statement of what it means to be more like Christ and to grow in holiness. The voice, influence, and power of Jesus must become greater and greater in our lives. This is helped as … Continue reading More him, less me
Our fears are afraid of God
Fear is all around us, and sometimes within us. That’s why Psalm 27:1 needs to be invisibly tattooed on our heads and hearts: “The LORD is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?” It’s a rhetorical question. The answer is ‘No one!’ Recently I was listening to a song by Ross King … Continue reading Our fears are afraid of God
Jesus: the choir director who reshapes our moral tune
I’ve been highlighting John 3:16: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” A much-neglected aspect of this verse is how it compels loving transformation in our lives. Bible scholar N.T. Wright explains: “God’s love comes to … Continue reading Jesus: the choir director who reshapes our moral tune
The value of a lifebuoy
I’ve been sharing some thoughts about John 3:16: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” Max Lucado says: “If you know nothing about the Bible, start here. If you know everything in the Bible, return here.”* … Continue reading The value of a lifebuoy
If I should wake before I die
When Tony Campolo was in college a professor talked about the well-known childhood prayer: “If I should die before I wake, I pray the Lord my soul to take.” He then pointed out what he perceived to be a flaw. Couldn’t it also say: “If I should wake before I die…”?* The implication is that … Continue reading If I should wake before I die
You can’t expect the world to change if…
Have you noticed? The online world is a very angry place right now. Just spend a few minutes on Twitter. Or any other social media platform for that matter. People are complaining about this or that. They’re accusing so-and-so of this, that and the other thing. Or they’re advocating for a certain cause and calling … Continue reading You can’t expect the world to change if…
Muting the demonic tongue
Max Lucado took a group of 500 people to Israel. One day they held a Bible Study on the steps of the Temple Mount, a location where Jesus himself gathered with his disciples. For Lucado’s lesson he chose John 3:16: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that … Continue reading Muting the demonic tongue
Following is imitating
In John 1:37 we read: “When the two disciples heard him say this, they followed Jesus.” Following Jesus. It’s something Christians do. But what does it mean? We can’t physically follow him because he isn’t physically here. I can follow a friend’s car down main street because I can see it. But I can’t see … Continue reading Following is imitating
